Corporate Layoffs Keep Coming: 5 Steps to Protect Yourself Before It’s Too Late
The Illusion of Job Security
Before the pandemic, when the economy was on a winning streak that did not seem to end, high earners believed their six-figure salaries provided them with job security. I myself worked in a few high-tech companies in the SF Bay Area and saw these assumptions that most of my highly paid colleagues exhibited. They made so much money that they didn't have to worry about taking care of their needs again and assumed salaries would only go up over the trajectory of their career. Even if something happened at their employer, they could always find another similar position with comparable pay to fund their lifestyle. But today, that belief is being shaken. Layoffs have been happening for years now with no signs of stopping and the job market is more competitive than ever. The question isn’t just if layoffs will reach you, but when—and whether you’re prepared when they do.
Why High Salaries Don’t Equal Security Anymore
Corporate restructuring, high inflation, implementation of AI, and economic uncertainty have put high earners on edge. When companies need to save money, expensive employees are often the first to go to meet the bottom line to appease shareholders. No matter how good you are at your job, you’re not immune. Relying on a single source of income (your paycheck), no matter how large is an increasingly risky financial strategy.
The Anxiety of Watching Layoffs Happen Around You
Maybe you've seen talented colleagues being let go with little warning. Maybe your company has already had multiple rounds of layoffs, and you’re wondering if your department is next. Maybe you know someone who was laid off and a year later they still haven’t found a job. Even if your job is safe today, the stress lingers. Meanwhile, the high-income lifestyle doesn’t pause—your mortgage, tuition, and commitments continue. The fear of “what if?” is real, and waiting passively for your fate isn’t a solution.
Your Options: Wait and Hope or Take Control
Most people in this situation default to “wait and see”, assuming their skills and network will carry them through. Maybe you are one of those people who thinks it is out of your control so you just hope for the best. But hope isn’t a strategy, and waiting leaves you vulnerable. Instead, you can start building an exit ramp—a financial safety net that dilutes your risk and puts you in control of your future, rather than at the mercy of corporate decisions.
What an Exit Ramp Looks Like for High Earners
Building an exit ramp doesn’t mean quitting your job today or at all. It means creating additional streams of income so that if layoffs happen, or you simply want to pivot, you have the flexibility to do so on your terms. The key to this is passive income—income that flows in whether or not you’re actively working. Income that you collect while you sleep or are otherwise living your life. Having multiple income streams allows you to work because you want to, not because you have to.
Breaking the Myth: Passive Income Is Within Your Reach
Many people believe passive income is out of their reach, requiring hundreds of thousands of dollars in savings. That’s a myth. Passive income isn’t something you get at the destination- it’s something you build to get to your destination. With the right strategy, high earners can create significant passive income within just a few years, giving them the financial cushion they need to weather layoffs, pursue less demanding roles, or even step away from corporate life entirely.
The Smartest Ways High Earners Can Start Building Passive Income
Passive income doesn’t have to mean quitting your job or making risky investments in the stock market. Here are some of the most effective paths for high earners:
Real Estate Investing: Rental properties, short-term vacation rentals, or passive real estate syndications can generate cash flow.
Alternative Investments: Private lending, cash-flowing businesses, and commodities trading provide hands-free income streams.
Digital Income Streams: Courses, e-books, and content-based revenue can build over time with minimal maintenance.
Dividend & Cash Flow Investments: High-yield funds and structured income portfolios offer reliable returns with relatively low effort.
How to Start Building Your Saftey Net Today
If you’re want to stop relying solely on your paycheck, here’s how to get started:
Assess Your Financial Baseline – Understand your current income, expenses, and how much you need to cover basic costs.
Choose a Path that Fits Your Strengths – Pick a passive income strategy aligned with your interests, skills, and risk tolerance. (check out my free class for some ideas about types of passive income and how to structure them.)
Make an Investment Commitment – Start small, but be consistent in allocating funds and time to build income streams.
Use Your Current Income as Leverage – Being employed gives you access to financing, investment opportunities, and more capital to accelerate wealth building. For example, purchasing a rental property is a lot easier to finance while you have a paycheck.
Set a Target & Timeline – Decide how much passive income you need and create a roadmap to get there. (If you want support and mentorship in creating your roadmap with look check out my Financial Freedom Strategy Program.)
What Happens When You Build Your Exit Ramp?
When you establish streams of passive income, your financial stress decreases. You gain freedom—the ability to make career decisions based on what’s best for you, not just what keeps the paychecks coming. You no longer have to stay in a job you hate out of fear. Instead, you create real job security—the kind that doesn’t depend on an employer.
The Best Time to Start Was Yesterday, The Next Best Time is Now
Layoffs will continue, and waiting only makes you more vulnerable. But you don’t have to be caught off guard. By building your safety net today, you take control of your financial future. You don’t need to quit your job—you just need to create options. Start now, and make work optional while you have the option before it is too late.